Boris Becker calls out three players on the ATP Tour who have ‘vanished’ ever since Jannik Sinner’s ban and failed to step up
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Boris Becker Criticizes ATP Stars for Failing to Step Up During Jannik Sinner’s Suspension
📅 Thu, April 3, 2025 – 17:00 (UK) | 🖊️ By Liam Llewellyn
Boris Becker has called out three ATP players who, in his opinion, have failed to seize the opportunity created by Jannik Sinner’s suspension.
The tennis world was shaken when the World No. 1 received a three-month ban after testing positive for clostebol. With his suspension beginning in February, Sinner is set to return on May 4—just in time for the Italian Open.
While fans expected certain players to capitalize on his absence, Becker believes several top names have failed to make their mark.
Becker Names Three ATP Players Who Have ‘Vanished’ Since Sinner’s Ban
Jannik Sinner last competed in January when he successfully defended his Australian Open title. Despite missing two months of play, the Italian still holds a commanding 2,685-point lead at the top of the ATP rankings.
Yet, no one has managed to close the gap, and Becker specifically pointed out three players who have disappointed.
“For over 15 years, one of the [Big Three] was always in the final. It became normal because they were simply better than the rest,” Becker remarked.
“Federer retired, Nadal stepped back last year, and we thought, ‘Now it’s time for the next generation—Medvedev, Zverev, Rublev, Ruud—to take over.’ But who has stepped up? Where is the new dominant force?”
Becker’s Concerns About the ATP Landscape
Becker went on to question why certain stars haven’t risen to the occasion:
“Sinner has played only one event this year, yet he remains at the top because the others haven’t taken their chances. Where is Alcaraz? Where is Medvedev? Medvedev has dropped out of the Top 10. Rublev lost in the first round again. Where is Rune? We’re in a transition period.”
According to Becker, this is a golden opportunity for ATP players to make history.
“The ‘Super GOATs’ are gone—except for Djokovic, perhaps. Now is the time to step up. So what’s the problem? It comes down to their own weaknesses.”
How Have Medvedev, Rublev, and Rune Performed in 2025?
- Daniil Medvedev – A shadow of his former self, Medvedev has reached just two semi-finals this year. He suffered an early exit at the Australian Open and crashed out in the first round of the Miami Open.
- Holger Rune – Reached the Indian Wells final (losing to Jack Draper) but has struggled elsewhere, failing to reach the quarter-finals in most events.
- Andrey Rublev – After an early Australian Open exit, Rublev rebounded with a semi-final run in Montpellier, a quarter-final in Rotterdam, and a title win at the Qatar Open. However, since that victory, he has lost three consecutive matches in Dubai, Indian Wells, and Miami.
